Exceptional Student Services Instructional Assistant - Specialized Program

Join us in shaping the minds of tomorrow. Your support in the classroom paves the way for quality education. Are you passionate about education and eager to make a difference in students' lives? The Peoria Unified School District is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our team of Instructional Assistants who play a vital role in fostering compassion, collaboration, support, and growth.

About the role

In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Support student learning by assisting teachers in delivering engaging and effective lessons, while providing individualized attention to students, and fostering a positive learning environment.
• Enhance your communication, organization, and time management skills while gaining hands-on experience in the educational field.
• Experience diverse daily tasks, ensuring that no two days are the same.
• Take pride in helping students achieve their academic goals and witnessing their growth and progress.
• Use this role to gain experience and further your career in education, whether by specializing in areas like Special Education Needs (SEN) or pursuing a teaching degree.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the diverse needs of students with disabilities on campus, guided by school administration and special education teams.
• Assisting students across multiple classroom settings to complete tasks, ensuring access to the general education curriculum and implementing teacher-directed accommodations, modifications, and behavior support plans as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Fostering the development of workplace skills and positive behaviors through teaching and modeling.
• Providing proactive support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors to maintain a conducive learning environment, including the use of de-escalation techniques.
• Aiding students in utilizing assistive technology effectively to enhance their learning experiences.
• Leading individual and small group activities under teacher direction to reinforce learning objectives.
• Maintaining accurate documentation and records for student files, ensuring timely updates to computerized records.
• Assisting students with activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, toileting, and mobility tasks.
• Supporting the implementation of individual student programs for behavior, sensory needs, and academics, including behavior support plans and sensory integration strategies.
• Performing additional duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitoring.

Additional Duties for Specialized Programs

• Collaborating with the classroom teacher and related service providers to ensure consistency of instructional and behavioral support across the school day.
• Supporting the implementation of specialized program structures, instructional methods, and behavior systems with fidelity as directed by program guidelines.
• Providing behavioral support during times of student escalation, ensuring safety and adherence to district guidelines and best practices.
• Assisting students with expanded activities of daily living, which may include: eating/tubing assistance, transfers and mobility, positioning and physical support, and assisting with daily skills such as toileting.
• Use of assistive devices (e.g., communicative devices, standers, lifters, braces).

Requirements

• Familiarity with relevant Federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Understanding of Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of basic child development principles.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to multitask, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in following oral and written instructions.
• Ability to identify, prevent, and de-escalate negative behaviors effectively.
• Skill in instructing and assisting students with self-help living skills.
• Completion of training in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
• Proficiency in operating personal computers and utilizing various software applications.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED.

Other Requirements

• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must be able to provide a Social Security number for AHCCS provider.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
• Must be able to complete training and maintain certification in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities.
• Must be able to physically restrain a student utilizing one of the OPi holds; must be able to run after students who are at risk of fleeing from a safe location.
• May be required to demonstrate fluency in English: written and oral communications.
• May be required to lift and carry heavy, bulky supplies and materials weighing up to 20 pounds.
• May be required to lift students weighing up to 60 pounds.
• May be required to work outside normal working hours.
• May be required to travel to perform work functions.